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Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass - Natural

Short-scale Acoustic-electric Ukulele Bass with Mahogany Top, Mahogany Back and Sides, Mahogany Neck, and Rosewood Fingerboard - Natural
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Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass - Natural
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Bakithi Kumalo's Outstanding Signature U-Bass

Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U-Bass for over a decade, so he's long overdue for a signature U-Bass. Enter the Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass. This short-scale, acoustic-electric ukulele bass is ideal for new and experience players alike, boasting rich-sounding roundwound strings and the perfect tonewood recipe for a warm, woody tone. You also get a U-Bass Active EQ for outstanding plugged-in tone. The Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass features plenty of Bakithi's personal touches, including a distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork. Ever since he unleashed his memorable bass solo on Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al," Bakithi's name has been synonymous with excellence, and the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass reflects the acclaimed bassist's one-of-a-kind approach to the instrument.

Rich-sounding strings with a familiar feel

The Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass features roundwound strings. These more traditional-sounding strings enhance the rich low end of this not-so-traditional U-Bass. Built on a nylon core with a silver-plated winding set and a low tension that’s easy on the fingers, they deliver classic, booming U-Bass tone. Plus the players here at Sweetwater have found that they feel great under your fingers for hours of fun-filled playing.

The right tonewoods bring out this U-Bass's warm and woody sound

As an acoustic instrument, another major factor in the Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass's tone is the selection of tonewoods. This U-Bass gives you the characteristically full-bodied sound of mahogany construction. Plus, it looks simply amazing! Add to that a rosewood fingerboard and bridge and you get a kind of dark warmth that blossoms with every note.

Custom Kala electronics with active EQ make this U-Bass a real live performer

Introduced on the 2013 edition of the U-Bass, Kala's custom piezo electronics give the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass a vibrant and realistic sound when you play plugged in. An active equalizer lets you tweak your tone, effortlessly meeting the needs of even the most demanding venues.

Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass Features:

  • Signature U-Bass of celebrated bassist Bakithi Kumalo
  • A beautiful and massive-sounding acoustic-electric bass guitar you can take anywhere
  • Compact 20.8125-inch-scale, 16-fret fingerboard provides plenty of room to play
  • Nylon-core roundwound strings deliver deep resonant tone
  • Mahogany construction provides full-bodied warmth with an incredibly deep fundamental
  • Separately compensated saddles for each string and die-cast tuners keep your tuning and intonation solid
  • Onboard piezo pickup with Kala Active EQ provides exceptional sound in any live environment
  • Replete with Bakithi's personal touches, including a distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork

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Tech Specs

  • Number of Strings: 4
  • String Type: Nylon
  • Body Type: Acoustic Bass
  • Body Shape: U-Bass
  • Left-/Right-handed: Right-handed
  • Color: Natural
  • Finish: Satin
  • Top Wood: Mahogany
  • Back & Sides Wood: Mahogany
  • Neck Material: Mahogany
  • Fingerboard Material: Rosewood
  • Fingerboard Inlay: White Dots
  • Number of Frets: 16
  • Scale Length: 20.8125"
  • Nut Width: 1.75"
  • Bridge Material: Rosewood
  • Tuning Machines: Black Open Geared
  • Electronics: U-Bass Active EQ
  • Strings: KA-BASS Metal Round Wound
  • Case Included: Gig Bag
  • Manufacturer Part Number: UBASS-BAKITHI-FS

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Awesome and fun little bass!

I'm a long-time guitar player who also played bass guitar in a rock band about 22 yrs ago. I sold my bass a couple years ago and kinda regretted getting rid of it. I followed the U-Bass for a couple years but didn't like the rubber strings. When I saw the Bakithi Kumalo model with the nylon and silver round wound strings, I ordered one. I've had it for a week and love it! Hard to put it down! Sounds big plugged in and fun to play acoustically.

The only negative I have about it is that the fret ends are rather sharp. I guess, at this price point, it's hard to spend time dressing the frets. I'll probably do it myself!

Anyway...worth every penny! I had $ worth of fun the 1st week!
Music background: I started playing alto sax in school bands, but began playing mandolin and guitar in the mid 60's. I've been in the recording studio where I played bass, rythm and lead on some jazz and blues tracks. Performed onstage with several bands, duo's and other
Rated 2/5

Two Instruments Had Problems

Tried 2 separate Bakithi Kumalo Signature U basses, but both had issues. The first had a bad E-string pickup. No sound from that string when played through an amp. Sweetwater sent a replacement. That one had a terribly loud rattle / buzz when playing the E-string acoustically. Sounded like something was loose inside the bass. Sweetwater was great about taking that one back too.

I tried the Kala Nomad U Bass it it had 2 problems with the electronics - bad G-string pickup and the Tuner button got stuck on the ON position.

That was 3 Kala U Basses and all 3 had quality control problems that made them impossible to play.

Too bad, because I liked the feel and sound of them. They get good reviews, so some folks must be getting good ones without problems.
Music background: Professional Musician
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